Definition

1. Verb:
   • To examine random samples: The act of selecting and inspecting random items or instances from a larger group to verify quality, compliance, or accuracy without conducting a full, systematic review.

Usage

• The primary use of "spot-check" is as a transitive verb. It describes a quality control or verification method.
• It is often used in contexts like manufacturing, auditing, teaching, and safety inspections.
• The object of the verb is the thing being sampled (e.g., products, reports, homework).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The supervisor will spot-check the finished products for defects.
  • To ensure safety, airport security personnel spot-check luggage.
  • The teacher decided to spot-check the students' homework instead of collecting it all.

Advanced Usage

• As a noun ("a spot check"): While the target word is the verb, the related noun phrase is common. It refers to the act or instance of making such a random examination.
  • The auditor conducted a spot check on the financial records.
  • A random spot check revealed several inconsistencies.

Variants and Related Words

• Spot-checking (gerund/noun): The continuous or general practice of performing spot checks.
  • Regular spot-checking maintains high standards.
• Spot-checked (past tense/participle).
  • The invoices were spot-checked and found to be in order.

Synonyms

• Sample randomly: To test a randomly selected part.
• Inspect selectively: To examine chosen items rather than all items.

Related Phrases

• Random inspection: A formal term for a similar quality assurance process.
• Ad hoc check: An impromptu or non-systematic examination.

Verb

1. pick out random samples for examination in order to ensure high quality